Race Tech

Best pro bikes of 2014: custom-painted machines

Eye-catching steeds, including Sir Bradley Wiggins' Union Jack-themed Pinarello Bolide

Rigoberto Uran’s Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 (Giro d’Italia)

Vincenzo Nibali rode into Paris on a special edition yellow Specialized S-Works Tarmac (Pic: Brakethrough Media)
Wiggo has won both races on his custom-painted Pinarello Bolide (Pic: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)
Jens Voigt was presented with this custom Trek Madone 7-Series for his final professional race
Michal Kwiatkowski's custom-painted Specialized S-Works Tarmac (Pic: Yuzuru Sunada/Specialized)
Scott wasted little time in celebrating Svein Tuft claiming the pink jersey on stage one of the Giro d'Italia in Belfast
Rigoberto Uran's spare bike at the Giro d'Italia featured this eye-catching Colombia-inspired paint job

Rigoberto Uran’s Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 (Giro d’Italia)

It doesn’t always have to be an achievement that is celebrated with a custom paint job – some riders have plenty of other cause for pride too.

For Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-QuickStep), that meant a Colombian-themed Specialized S-Works Tarmac for the Giro d’Italia.

When the peloton rolled out of Belfast, we spotted Uran’s easily identifiable spare bike atop the Omega Pharma-QuickStep team car. The bike featured a yellow, red and blue paintjob on the frame and fork, coupled with an Aztec-themed graphic.

The 27-year-old then went on to win stage 12 to become the first Colombian in history to pull on the pink leader’s jersey of the Giro d’Italia, before compatriot Nairo Quintana (Movistar) usurped him to win overall.

However, Uran stuck with his team issue Tarmac throughout the race – the only hint of extravagance coming when his mechanic wrapped on pink handlebar tape while he enjoyed the race lead.